Tennis Elbow & Golfer’s Elbow: What You Need to Know
What Are Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow?
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Pain and inflammation on the outside of the elbow, often from repetitive wrist and arm motions.
- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Pain on the inside of the elbow, usually caused by overuse of the wrist flexor muscles.
Both conditions are forms of tendonitis and are caused by repetitive stress on the forearm muscles that attach to the elbow. Patients may feel pain when gripping objects, shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or lifting even light items.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness around the elbow joint
- Stiffness or weakness in the forearm and wrist
- Discomfort when gripping, lifting, or twisting
- Pain that worsens with repetitive activity
Common Causes of Elbow Tendonitis
These injuries often result from overuse and repetitive stress rather than a single incident. Contributing factors include:
- Repetitive activities (typing, painting, carpentry, racquet sports, golf)
- Poor form in sports or exercise
- Weakness or imbalance in forearm and upper arm muscles
- Age-related tendon changes
- Sudden increase in activity or intensity
How Physical Therapy Helps
Physical therapy is the most effective treatment for both tennis and golfer’s elbow. At The Therapy Network, our therapists help patients recover without invasive procedures by:
- Reducing pain and inflammation with hands-on therapy and modalities
- Improving flexibility in the forearm and wrist
- Strengthening forearm, shoulder, and core muscles for lasting support
- Correcting movement patterns that overload the elbow
- Teaching ergonomic strategies for work, daily activities, and sports
- Providing activity modifications so you can stay active while healing
What to Expect in Physical Therapy
Your therapy program will be tailored to your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Treatment may include:
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- Manual therapy and soft tissue techniques to relieve pain
- Targeted stretching for forearm, wrist, and shoulder mobility
- Progressive strengthening for long-term tendon health
- Functional training for sports and job-related activities
- Bracing or taping if needed for added support
- At-home exercises to continue progress between visits
With proper treatment, most patients fully recover and return to their favorite activities pain-free.
Start Your Recovery Today at The Therapy Network
If elbow pain is interfering with work, sports, or daily life, The Therapy Network is here to help. Our expert physical therapists will create a personalized recovery plan so you can return to pain-free movement.
Same-day appointments available in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake
Call 757-496-3700 or schedule your appointment online today.
